This is a simple homemade version of Starbucks’ caramel apple spice — hot apple juice with cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and a little drizzle of “hey, you’re doing okay.” It’s ridiculously easy and doesn’t ask for much. Just a pot, a mug, and maybe a little bit of emotional honesty. Good for cold evenings, weird mornings, or… those in-between hours where everything feels too loud.

Jump to Recipe

Quick Summary

Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 5 mins
Flavor: warm, sweet, cinnamon-heavy
Great for: cozy nights, breakup recovery, sitting-in-the-dark-in-a-hoodie hours

Why I Like This Recipe

Okay, so. Not to be dramatic, but I made this one evening when I was this close to doomscrolling into the void. I didn’t want tea. Didn’t want coffee. Just wanted… something warm. Something that felt like the inside of a sweater. This did it.

The cinnamon syrup is what makes it — spicy but soft. You heat the apple juice until it feels like a sigh, stir it all together, and top it with whipped cream like you’re giving yourself a little kindness on purpose. Doesn’t fix anything, but it makes you feel held. Just for a minute.

Ingredients

12 oz apple juice (not from concentrate if you can help it)
1 tbsp cinnamon syrup (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp whipped cream
1 tbsp caramel sauce (for drizzling)

How To Make Caramel Apple Spice

Heat the juice gently: Pour the apple juice into a small pot or microwave-safe mug. Warm it just until hot — don’t let it boil. You’re not boiling rage here. This is a soft simmer kind of moment.
Add syrup to your mug first: Drizzle the cinnamon syrup into the bottom of the mug. It’s like a little secret. Sweet, spiced, and personal.
Pour in the juice: Slowly. Let the heat meet the syrup. Stir gently. The steam will hit your face and probably make you close your eyes for a second. That’s fine.
Top with whipped cream: Big dollop. Let it melt a little. It’s doing more than you think it is.
Drizzle caramel last: Slow circles, not too fast. Think “lazy Sunday,” not “rushed work call.”

Caramel Apple Spice– Easy Starbucks Copycat

Tips for Success

Don’t overheat the juice — you’ll kill the vibe
Stir well so the syrup doesn’t hide at the bottom
Use real whipped cream if you can. Canned is fine too. We’re not judging
Salted caramel sauce = chef’s kiss, trust me

Storage and Reheating

Fridge: If you have leftover apple juice + syrup mix, keep it sealed and chill. Good for 2–3 days.
Reheat: Stovetop is best. Low heat, no boiling. Or microwave for about a minute. Add fresh whipped cream after reheating.
Freezer: Nah. Let’s not freeze this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple cider instead of juice?
Yeah, definitely. Just make sure it’s unsweetened or you might want to skip the syrup.
What’s a good store-bought cinnamon syrup?
Torani’s cinnamon syrup works well, or Monin. But honestly, homemade is easy too — just simmer sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yep. Use a dairy-free whipped topping and skip the caramel if yours contains dairy. The drink itself is easy to adapt.
Does it taste like apple pie?
A little! It’s more spiced apple than pie, but with the caramel and cream, it gets close.
Can I make this iced?
Sure. Just chill the juice first and don’t heat anything. Pour it over ice, then add syrup and cream.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

Boiling the juice:
Nope. Don’t do it. You’ll lose the fresh taste and it turns weirdly flat.
Too much syrup:
A little goes a long way. Start with 1 tbsp and adjust from there.
Using low-quality juice:
This drink is basically hot juice — so if the juice isn’t good, the drink won’t be either.
Skipping the cream:
It really makes a difference. Use whatever whipped topping you’ve got, even canned.
Serving it lukewarm:
This one’s better hot-hot. Not scalding, but warm enough to feel like a hug.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 284 kcal
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 44mg
Potassium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrate: 48g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 42g
Protein: 1g

You Might Also Like: